Valley of the First Seal – Ruins of the Ancient Array
Hours later, under Bureau escort, the team arrived at the valley.
The sky above was gray-blue, twisted with pulsing spirit winds. At the center of the canyon, a massive crack in the dimensional veil surged with unstable spiritual energy—almost like a sleeping beast preparing to rise.
"This… is where you died in your past life?" Zhao Ting asked, voice hushed.
Lu Feng didn't answer.
He stepped forward until he stood before a half-buried stone stele. Carved upon it—barely visible—were the words:
"Here lies Lu Yuan."
He knelt, gently pressing his current soul chain against the stone.
Suddenly, a low hum echoed through the valley.
The ancient altar responded.
Lines of forgotten soul resonance lit up along the rocks and earth—like a long-dead beast drawing breath again.
"His soul chain… is awakening something!" Chen Xi gasped.
Kaelin's expression changed. "No—it's not just his chain. He's reaching into a deeper layer of identity."
Spiritual Space – Core Domain
Inside his mind, Lu Feng found himself surrounded by brilliant white light.
Before him hovered a burning soul chain, thicker and more ancient than the one he carried. Its links bore ancient markings.
"This is the Chain of Fate."
A voice echoed.
"You who inherit the remnants of Lu Yuan's soul… Do you accept all that came before?"
"Yes."
"Do you accept all that will follow?"
"I do."
The chain pulsed once—Then merged with his original soul link.
A second chain burned across his back and arms—its pattern a mix of fate, memory, and identity.
From within surged not just power—But understanding.
He remembered ancient formations, forgotten seals, combat stances that once ended entire domain storms.
Most of all—he remembered a technique whispered only once in the shadows of his soul:
"Domain Reversal Array: The Defiance of Time."
Reality – Valley
Lu Feng opened his eyes.
Two soul chains now circled his body—One of the present.One of the past.
Kaelin stepped forward, eyes searching his.
"You did it."
He didn't speak.
He looked to the crack in the veil.
"I left something here once. Not just a seal."
Zhao Ting's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
Lu Feng clenched his fist.
"I left behind a backup soul imprint—a counter-chain designed to unlock the heart of the Gray Domain."
Gray Domain – Observation Layer
In a tower hidden beyond dimensions, a shadow stirred.
"Fifteenth fate-interference pattern has begun."
"Confirmed anomaly."
"Deploy counter-measures."
On the screen, a familiar face flickered into view—
Bureau Director Lou Siquan.
And in his eyes—
The mark of the Gray Domain:The Observer.